Fashion Design Drawing

i. Never let a figure or portion of a figure just touch the border. See that it is either well clear or definitely cut into.

2. Never have a background line which is near to the figure, running at the same angle as part of the figure: e.g. a vertical line running close to and parallel with the arm, hanging down, is bad composition.

3. Never let the background interest be more prominent than the fashion interest. If the composition detracts from the purpose of the sketch it is bad, not good, composition.

4. Never crowd the composition. The beginner especially should keep the background as background.

5. Do not let the figures slide out of the picture. (For example, a row of descending heads.)

6. Never repeat a pose, except for decorative effect.

7. Consider the elements as a pattern. The pattern should be so perfect that the position of even the smallest item is a matter for consideration.

8. Endeavour to obtain as much contrast as possible in the angles of lines (straight against curve, etc.).

9. So far as it helps the pattern, place whites on the figures against blacks in the background, and vice versa.

10. Avoid top heaviness. A picture may allowably be bottom-heavy, but never the reverse. (A certain top heaviness may be successfully achieved by the skilled artist, but for the beginner no!)

11. Avoid "spottiness" in composition that is, two or more centres of interest.

12. Never let a composition be obvious. The composition which is subtle, which, like some of the "new" music, appears to break all the rules, but actually does not, is the really compelling one.

Fashion Design Drawing - Composition 13.jpg